Battle of Babulkhel

The Battle of Babulkhel occurred on 4 March 2002 during the Afghanistan War, as a part of Operation Anaconda. The Taliban armory at Babulkhel was destroyed in an attack by two Apache helicopters in a blow to the Taliban war effort in the valley.

History
Following the Battle of Objective Betty, the two Apache helicopters which had provided relief to the US Army Rangers squad on the ground were ordered to return to Bagram Airbase. The helicopter crews, low on fuel, decided to quickly destroy some Taliban positions on their way back, and they observed Taliban supply trucks heading towards a village two kilometers to the north of Babulkhel. The Apaches received clearance to go hot after the village was confirmed to be a Taliban armory, and the Apaches proceeded to rain bullets and missiles on the town. They targeted the Taliban supply trucks, huts, and RPG-wielding fighters, and they completely annihilated the Taliban positions. However, Gunfighter 06's pilot unwisely decided to fly over the village, and her helicopter was severely damaged by RPG fire. Gunfighter 11 escorted Gunfighter 06's smoking helicopter out of the village, destroying several Taliban hilltop sniping positions along the way. Ultimately, both helicopters returned to base intact.